[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            FORTY-THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF TUNISIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 23, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, Saturday, March 20, 1999, was the forty-
third anniversary of independence of the Republic of Tunisia. With 
increasingly strong ties between our two governments, the American 
people congratulate the people of Tunisia on this historic anniversary. 
For the last forty-three years, Tunisia has been a model of economic 
growth and the advancement of women in society.
  It may be difficult for many Americans to appreciate Tunisia's 
situation. Its only two neighbors are Algeria, which has been racked by 
civil war for several years, and Libya, whose dictator has supported 
the most nefarious and subversive kinds of terrorism. Mr. Speaker, this 
is not a good neighborhood.
  Nevertheless, Tunisia has maintained internal stability--not without 
its own controversies--in the face of external chaos. At the same time, 
years of hard work have produced one of the highest standards of living 
in the region. Tunisia is one of the few countries to graduate 
successfully from development assistance and join the developed world. 
For these accomplishments, Tunisia should be applauded and supported.
  In 1956, the United States was the first great power to recognize the 
independence of Tunisia. Upon receiving Ambassador Mongi Slim, 
President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, ``At the dawn of a new era in the 
history of Tunisia, we ask you to consider us as friends and 
partners.''
  Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of 43 years of independence for 
Tunisia, I urge my colleagues reflect on our strong commitment to 
Tunisian people, who are still our friends and partners in North 
Africa.

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